Castleton outpost to close; State police look to consolidate

Vermont State Police will close its outpost in Castleton, Lt. Charles Cacciatore confirmed late Wednesday.

Discussion about closing the outpost had been ongoing. Cacciatore had previously said closing the office would save the agency about $30,000 a year in rent.

No officers will lose their jobs. Instead, they will move to a new space at the Fair Haven Police Department.

Cacciatore said he expected the outpost to close early next year.

The change comes as state police look at new buildings and consolidation across Vermont.

Barracks in Derby, New Haven, Royalton and St. Albans have all been renovated. State Police are considering replacements at its Bradford, Brattleboro, Middlesex, Rockingham, Rutland, Shaftsbury and St. Johnsbury locations.

Already a go, a consolidation of the Rockingham and Brattleboro barracks to a new location in Westminster.

Also being studied, a consolidation of the Bradford and St. Johnsbury barracks to a location in Barnet.

“We would hope in those cases where we consolidate, we would take lieutenants’ positions and sergeants’ positions and make those positions troopers,” said Maj. William Sheets.

Consolidation isn’t on the table in Williston. The barracks was built in the 60s, but was never meant for police. Officers moved in in the 90s.

“Just one look around shows it does house all of our special team vehicles,” Sheets said. “Our marine division, boats, snowmobiles and ATVs.”

The building’s large garage was part of the Williston Fire Department until state police claimed more turf and the fire crews moved to their own location.

“As you can imagine, there's quite a bit of space that we need to keep all that stuff here,” said Capt. Glenn Hall. “This building is really the only building that we have that's equipped to handle all that.”

Officials said the Williston building is working, for now, and is not a priority on the list of needed renovations.

Its location off Interstate 89 is a benefit, they said, and one that planners are looking for in a new location. Particularly, they said, a new location in Richmond would benefit the barracks as it’s close to I-89 and central in the coverage area.

Officials said the building’s location on Route 2A next to Taft Corners could provide for a lucrative deal if a business wanted to come in.

Still, barracks locations like Middlesex, police officials said, need more attention than Williston. A project for this barracks is likely a ways away.

“It could be anywhere from five to 15 or 20 years,” Sheets said.

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